Best Water Shoes for Men: Footwear to Help You Make the Most Out of Your Water Activities

If you are doing recreational activities such as kayaking, waterboarding or simply hiking through terrains that consist of streams and river, you will definitely need special footwear – water shoes. Water shoes can be defined as special shoes that are specially designed and used for water activities.

The primary task is to protect a person from slipping when he is doing water-based activities and using water equipment such as boats and kayaks. These shoes are also designed in order to provide protection for the feet against sharp rocks that might lead to injuries. One more important function is that they keep the feet warm.

This is extremely important because if the feet are cold, then the whole body gets cold. This does not only allow you to enjoy outdoor and recreational activity, but can also become a reason of cold and even pneumonia.

Despite the necessity of having water shoes during water activities, it is also important to understand that even the best water shoes for men have certain disadvantages and drawbacks:

They are not hiking shoes – Even though it says that they can be used for hiking, it is important to remember and understand that they cannot replace regular hiking shoes. Since they are designed to drain water and dry quickly, they lack comfort features such as padding which is one of the primary features of good hiking footwear. For this reason it is not possible to take a long hike in this type of shoes.

Limited choice of styles and colors – It might be a serious and very significant disadvantage for those who want to look stylish while doing favorite water activities. Unfortunately, since water shoes have a very specialized nature and are not as popular as other types of footwear, there is only a limited number of manufacturers that produce them. As a result, the choice of colors and style is quite poor if compared to other types of outdoor footwear.

Some things to consider while choosing water shoes

It is obvious that a pair of water-based shoes is a good and useful investment, but only if they are chosen correctly. It does not really matter what manufacturer you choose – it is much more important to look for particular features that we have listed below.

Thickness of soles

If you decide to buy water shoes, the first thing that you need to consider is the soles and their thickness. It is highly recommended to purchase water footwear with thicker soles because you can be sure that your feet are fully protected regardless of the terrain.

Moreover, it has been proven that shoes with thick soles have better traction control, which prevents slipping and falling.

Material

It is obvious that as with any other footwear, water shoes should be made of high quality material that protects and comfortably cover the whole foot of the wearer. The main criteria for water shoe material is its ability to dry quickly, as well as temperature balance which provides the wearer with the necessary level of comfort and warmth.

Type of outdoor activity

There are many types of water shoes available on the market nowadays, and many of them are created and designed for special activities in water. Therefore, when choosing a pair, consider in what type of activities you will be doing.

For example, if your shoes are going to be used both in and out of water, then it is worth considering a pair that’s suited for both types of terrain. There are also such modern water shoes today that have quite a universal construction and can be easily used as regular hiking or walking shoes.

Flexibility

The more flexible your water shoes are, the more comfortable your feet will feel. Thus, try to avoid to buy stiff water shoes that can make your feet sore and become a reason of blisters after wearing them. If your footwear is flexible enough, it will provide your feet with necessary support and stability.

Fit

You should not buy water shoes without trying them, otherwise you will not be able to determine whether they are comfortable enough and whether they fit your foot perfectly. Therefore, make sure that you feel a good fit by having this footwear on your feet.

Design

The outdoor market today offers a great variety of water shoes that have different designs, therefore it might be tricky to choose the right pair that is not only nice and stylish but also functional and practical. Usually there is a choice between two types of designs: a sandal model and a model with a closed toe.

If you going to use your shoes in extreme conditions and in very slippery terrain, then we recommend you to choose shoes with a closed toe in order to provide the best toe security during different types of outdoor and water activities.

Arch support

If you are planning to utilize your water shoes in different terrains and during cross-training activities, then you should definitely consider apair with an outstanding arch support because it will be able to comfortably support your feet throughout the day.

Drainage and ventilation

High quality water shoes should have good ventilation and drainage in order to prevent water absorption that might lead to appearance of blisters. These features also help to avoid other foot problems, as well as unpleasant odor that often appears after wearing footwear for a long time.

Usually such water shoes have special nylon straps that provide natural ventilation or neoprene and mesh panels for proper airing.

Top reviews of the best insoles

Below we collected the reviews of several water shoes for men that we recommend you to consider for purchasing. We hope that the detailed description of them, their design and characteristics will help you to make the right choice and select those water footwear that will allow you to enjoy your water sport activities and stay as comfortable as possible.

Norty Aqua Water Shoes

These Norty Aqua Water Shoes for men have all the necessary features that can provide comfortable fit during a variety of different outdoor recreational activities in the water. First of all they have good ventilation provided by its breathable mesh.

In addition, they are also appreciated by wearers for its good traction that works well in slippery terrains without worrying about slipping and falling. Thanks to their design and stretch neoprene upper, you will not lose much time on pulling them on. Finally, it is a perfect choice for outdoor lovers who want to have a stylish and fashionable looking pair.

PROS:

Breathable

Comfortable

Get dry quickly

Good traction

Fashionable

CONS:

Too tight and narrow

Not very durable

Uncomfortable for walking

Related: if you plan family water activities and prefer to spend time outdoors with your kids, then you should consider buying the Norty Little Kids / Toddler Aqua Water Shoe. They have the same features as the adult model and therefore can be considered an outstanding choice of footwear for aficionados of water activities.

These comfortable and solid water shoes are created specially foe a variety of water sports regardless the type of terrain. The Adidas Climacool Jawpaw Slip-On Water Shoe are chosen by those wearers, who appreciate comfort, durability and the highest level of protection of their feet. They have a closed-toe design in order to protect toes as much as possible.

In addition they are characterized as water shoes with perfect drainage system which allows them to get dry as quick as possible. Outdoor lovers also point out that these shoes perfectly fit almost all types of feet due to the presence of a stretchable heel insert.

Finally, they provide the most optimal grip due to super high traction rubber, which means that they can be easily utilized in very slippery terrains. This also allows to use them as hiking shoes, which makes this footwear very universal.

PROS:

Durable

Good drainage system

Closed-toe design

CONS:

No arch support

No comfort padding

Very tight fit

Related: Adidas offers great Outdoor Women’s Boat Slip-On Sleek Water Shoe that are perfect not only for water activities, but also for a daily use and other types of outdoor experience. They are characterized as very stylish and comfortable shoes with a perfect combination of grip and stability.

Though Mohem Poseidon Water Shoes were originally and intentionally created as water shoes, they can be also utilized in daily life and perfectly fit a broad section of a wardrobe of any man who loves fashion and casual style. At a very affordable price, you receive pure handmade water shoes that perfect fit all types of outdoor and recreational activities and protect your feet not only from water but also from the summer heat.

The upper of the shoes is made of leather that provides perfect and healthy breathability. You also do not have to worry about slipping and can feel absolutely confident because rubber soles of the shoes provide all the necessary support and stability for you. They are also appreciated for their lightweight – they do not create any extra burden by preventing your feet from getting tired even after a long walk.

PROS:

Pure handmade

Lightweight

Affordable price

Breathable

CONS:

Tight

Uncomfortable for long walking

No arch support

Related: If you are looking for a great and practical gift to your friend, sister, mother, or colleague, then these Mohem Women’s Poseidon Water Shoes can be a perfect choice. Breathable, ultra light, stylish and made of pure leather – a perfect pair of walking shoes both for outdoor and everyday wear.

The Merrell Waterpro Maipo Water Shoe have gained reputation of high-quality and outstanding water footwear due to their water-friendly qualities, high support and comfort cushioning, flexible shock absorption and microfiber footbed. The owners of these shoes also appreciate them for good ventilation that makes them highly breathable and anti-friction lining.

Even though they look quite massive and solid, they are ultra light and do not bring extra burden to feet. They are definitely a bit more expensive than average water shoes available on the market, but they are definitely worth it and can be considered as great investment, since they can be used not only as water shoes, but also as best water shoes for hiking and walking.

PROS:

Breathable

Lightweight

Comfortable

Good drainage system

Excellent grip

Solid

CONS:

Expensive

Tendency to loosen

Related:Merrell Women’s Waterpro Maipo Water Shoe for female outdoor lovers if you are looking the same footwear for your friend or partner. In addition to the above mentioned characteristic of Merrell water shoes for men, they also have vibram outsole and are anti-friction treated with antimicrobial solution.

The Astral Buoyancy Brewer Water Shoe are made specifically in order to provide you with the highest level of comfort while you are walking, hiking, or doing water sport activities. It is absolutely innovative footwear with balanced geometry and a contoured footbed in order to allow you to walk as naturally intended.

The shoes are also characterized by great drainage system: holes made along midsole easily drain all water and liquid by letting shoes dry very quickly. You also do not have to worry about extra burden on your feet: these shoes are so lightweight that even do not feel them. In addition they are flexible by not hindering natural movement of your feet. It is an excellent choice for active outdoor lovers, who appreciate lightness and freedom in every movement.

PROS:

Lightweight

Durable

Good ventilation and drainage

CONS:

Not comfortable for long walks

Expensive

Related: For those who are looking for something similar but more affordable Astral offers stylish Astral Aquanaut Water Shoe with fine-screen ripstop mesh at sides and padded ankle collar. By wearing them you can easily handle even the steepest and the most technical terrains.

Speedo has already gained the reputation of the leading swim brand in the world, therefore there is no doubt that the Speedo Hydro Comfort 4.0 Water Shoe makes a good pair for all types of water and outdoor activities. It is fairly believed to be one of the most comfortable water shoes available on the market today due to their seaweed message footbed.

Thanks to their breathable upper and excellent drainage system the shoes get dry very quick. Thousands of customers who choose them point out their good arch support that allows to wear these shoes all day long.

By wearing Khombu Reef Shark 2 Water Shoe you can feel absolutely comfortable and safe, even if you need to trek through water. Thanks to synthetic suede panels, the shoes can boast of great stability to the lightweight mesh upper. Your feet will be always kept safe and warm due to contoured and rugged rubber soles that feature several mesh drains.

Wearers of them appreciate this pair of shoes for their universal character: they can be easily utilized in the variety of different terrains and for different activities including walking, hiking, climbing waterfall, biking and even horseback riding.

Aleader Quick Drying Water Shoes

Specific features: Rubber sole, durable and breathable mesh upper, water grip and cushion outsole, ComforDry sockliner, open mesh on the upper, hole on the sole

Best use: Hiking, walking and water activities

Aleader that is appreciated for producing performance sport footwear with original design offers Aleader Quick Drying Water Shoes that have proved to be high-quality and worthy footwear suitable for all water activities regardless the type of terrain. Due to quick dry mesh upper material, the shoes get dry very fast without depriving a wearer and his feet the necessary level of comfort.

Thanks to their unique and quite easy design, the shoes are easy on and off by not allowing feet to drop off. This model is perfect for slippery and wet conditions due to its cushion and water grip outsole that is able to provide the most exceptional traction.

In Conclusion

And there you have it! Hopefully this article has been useful for you and you have found all the necessary information about water shoes. May you have enough information to choose the best and the most appropriate pair of water footwear for making the most out of your favorite water activities.

Tell us, what type of footwear do you prefer wearing during water recreational activities? What type and model of water shoes would you choose and why? Let us know in the comments!

Sean was backpacking since he was 7. He was born close to the RMNP and his father was a ranger, so life surrounded by mountains and wildlife is a norm for Colorado. He likes to explore, but prefers to stay in USA. In his opinion, there are too many trails and options in US to go abroad.

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